Extra Random Moments

Zachy worked hard on his poster for school. A lot of effort and creativity was employed.

 A beautiful sunset over the city.

More of a glare over the city, but you can see the silhouette on the right side.

Harvest moon on the rise.

One of many funny Pokemon signs along the beach.

Getting Stronger

Typically, Phil will take Zachy to his gymnastics class, but today, I got the chance to see what Zachy is learning. He is definitely getting stronger!

Eat Real 2016

Today we ventured over to Jack London Square for the Eat Real Festival. There were so many food vendors and delicious things to taste. Our final stop was at the frozen custard truck for a yummy treat.

Well, our final food stop anyway. We spotted the Oakland Symphony's instrument petting zoo and had to check it out!

I just love this shot of Mady marching to her own beat!

Yes, we know Alex's hand is completely wrong. We corrected it, but they were making such sweet music.....

New Accessory

We have been working towards Mady receiving hearing aids. She has some mild hearing loss and she has been able to find ways to work around it. Today was her fitting and she is now the proud owner of  purple/orange/pink with sparkles hearing aids. She also has two goodie bags full of information, batteries and other supplies.

As you can see, she is pretty excited about them!

I had thought that the colors would make them stand out too much, but that doesn't really seem to be true. The pink part will be updated every few months as she grows, so who knows what color she'll pick next time!

Fast Break

Even though Mady just started school 3 days ago, she and I took a quick break to head up to Seattle for a very special visit.

Mady is already a seasoned traveller, and had no trouble finding the correct gate for our departure.

As we were boarding the plane, the flight attendants asked her if she needed any help with her suitcase. In response, Mady gave the bottom of her case a little kick to get it back on its wheels and started down the aisle. The flight attendants were impressed with her skills!

For the rest of Saturday, we hung out with Gma and Grandpa D at their house and Mady explored and investigated all of the toys.

Sunday

Finally Sunday morning arrived and Mady, Gma, and I loaded up lunch for Auntie Nichole and Uncle Harry. It was time to meet Baby Elsie!

We spent the afternoon cuddling with Elsie, picking apples and blackberries in Auntie Nichole's backyard, and even took Elsie for a walk.

Hanging out with Uncle Harry.

 Mady did a great job of pushing Elsie.

The definite highlight of the day for Mady was finally getting a chance to hold Elsie. (mine too!)
Elsie is still so little that Mady had a hard time figuring out exactly how to hold her, but she did a good job and wanted to hold her even more.

Monday

Today we planned a day at the Puyallup Fair. At the main entrance we saw an awesome carving of Big Washington.

And then later, he was walking around saying hi to everyone!

Mady looked around and picked out two rides. By the smiles, I'd say she picked some fun ones!

Mady was so pumped up, she lifted the car over her head!

Training to become a new member of the Justice League.

Telling Wonder Woman what her special power is.

And finally, the power pose!

Pedal tractors and a miniature town course to drive through.

There was a draft horse show, with many different horse and wagon combos. These Shetland Ponies were a crowd (and our) favorite. After each team showed off their skills, they paraded around the arena one last time. The Shetland ponies were the last team and instead of leaving, they put on a high speed showcase!

Of course, who can resist fair food? Mady enjoyed some cotton candy and a big favorite was the famous elephant ear. So yummy! Many years ago, Gma and our neighbor tried to recreate the elephant ear at home. It was a disaster. The only place I have ever seen them is at the Puyallup fair, and they are worth the wait!

Hugging the Pig (Mady was able to pet one of the little piglets today too!)

Tuesday

On our last day, Mady stayed with Gma and Grandpa D while I went back to visit Nichole, Harry and Elsie. I even convinced Nichole and Harry that it was a good time for them to run out for a little bit while Elsie and I played at home. Elsie sent a selfie to Mommy so she'd know everything was going great!

When Mommy came home, both girls were extra happy.

It was so hard to get back in my car! Thank you for letting me snuggle!

Traffic was a bear on the way home, but eventually it broke up and the Mountain was out too.

Silly time with Gma and Grandpa D.

Wednesday

Time to go back home.

Last First Day

Today was Mady's last first day of preschool!

 She has been looking forward to getting back to school to see her friends and teachers again.

 So excited in fact, that she barely said goodbye before running into the classroom to start playing!